700W OCZ GameXStream Multi-GPU power supply testing

[eva2000]

I recently received a brand spanking new retail version of the 700W OCZ GameXStream Multi-GPU (http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/power_management/ocz_gamexstream_power_supply) power supply from OCZ. Note there's a misprint on web page saying 4x +12v rails with 15A/each. It should be 4x +12v rails with 18A/each.

This new quad +12v railed power supply is outsourced from Sparkle/FSP a different manufacturer than the PowerStream units (Topower) and is meant to be both ATI Crossfire and nVidia SLI ready with separate +12v rails for each of the two PCI-E power connectors. The only place that mentions the rail distributions for the 4x +12v rails is actually on the power supply itself. You can compare this to the 650W Silverstone SLI rev1 power supply i used here (http://i4memory.com/showthread.php?p=39151#post39151) on the below system prior to swapping to the 700W OCZ GameXStream.

The honey comb casing allows more air circulation for cooling the power supply. It seems when turned on you can really feel the air being pushed out the honey comb side vents!

http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_001.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_001.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_004.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_004.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_005.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_005.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_012.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_012.html)

http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_021.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_021.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_027.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_027.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_032.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_032.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_034.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_034.html)

Full Specs:

600W and 700W Configurations
OCZ PowerWhisperâ„¢ Technology
Multi-GPU ready
Internal 120mm dual ball bearing Protechnic Electric MGA12012HB-025 2500rpm 38dba fan
3 year warranty backed by OCZ’s exclusive
PowerSwapâ„¢ replacement program.
150 x 140 x 86mm
ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V
OCZ ConnectAllâ„¢ universal connectors:
1 x 20+4Pin ATX
1 x 4-pin/8-pin CPU
(supports double CPUs/supplies stable voltage)
2 x PCI-E
6 x 4-pin peripheral
2 x 4-pin floppy
6 x S-ATA
High efficiency
Active PFC
80% @ 115V (Typical load) / 83% @ 230V (Typical load)
Overvoltage/Overcurrent/Short-Circuit protection
Active PFC
MTBF:100,000 hours
100~240Vac 10-5A 50/60Hz
Manual stated specs on the rails are shown here (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/specs_tnn.jpg) and OCP specs here (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/protection.jpg) . But there might be a typo or mistake in some of the listed specs as you can see the rail ratings on 600W vs 700W heh. Will ask OCZ to clarify them and update this info here :)


Cables:
- 4pin molex and FDD power connectors are organised into 2x cables each with 3x 4pin moldex + 1x FDD connectors.
- 2x cables each with 3x SATA connectors
- Included is a velcro strap (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_026.html) to organise the cables too.
http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/Cables_GXS.jpg

Nifty features:
There's a few nifty features i really like on this GameXStream power supply.

Ever hurt your finger tips/hand trying to pry off a 4pin molex ? Well how about easy to grip 4pin molex connectors :)
Need to use 4pin or 8pin cpu connector ? Well OCZ allows you to split or combine them to do away with any adaptors!
2x PCI-E connectors each labeled as PCI-E 1 and PCI-E 2. When using single card ensure you use PCI-E 1 connector ;)

http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_043.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_043.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_041.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_041.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_042.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_042.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_045.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/photos/GameXstream_045.html)

Full pictures:
http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/


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Antec PSU Tester Results
Link: http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/
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http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_008.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/photos/GameXstream_008.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_005.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/photos/GameXstream_005.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_011.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/photos/GameXstream_011.html) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/thumbnails/thumb_GameXstream_014.jpg (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html2/photos/GameXstream_014.html)

2x 120x38mm Delta 3amp fans + 1x 120x38mm Panaflo 0.6amp fan = 6.6amp load
+12v = 12.16v
+5v = 5.06v
+3.3v = 3.361v

1x 120x38mm Panaflo 0.6amp fan = 0.6amp load
+12v = 12.20v
+5v = 5.04v
+3.3v = 3.361v

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System Configuration:
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Intel Pentium D Extreme Edition 3.46Ghz 955XE 65nm 2x2MB Cache SL94N (provided by Universal Abit Taiwan)
Cooled by Swiftech G4 Storm / Thermochill 120.3 with 3x 120x38mm Panaflo Fans /MCP650 on Kayl custom 100W psu (http://www.fileshosts.com/watercooling/custompsu/html/)
Abit AW8D 975x (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/motherboards/abit/AW8D/1/) 11 bios (provided by Universal Abit Taiwan)
256MB BFG 7800GTX stock HSF with HeavyH20 473(525)/1350 bios
2x512MB Corsair PC5400ULv1.5 3-3-2-8 DDR2 singles
80GB Seagate Barracuda IV 7200 PATA hdd
Pioneer DVR-105 DVD-RW
Mitsumi Black 1.44MB FDD
700W OCZ GameXStream Multi-GPU psu (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/html1/) (retail psu provided by OCZ)
WinXP Pro SP2 / 84.56 Forceware / Intel INF 7.2.2.1006


Additional fans:

60x25mm Sunon fan (4.9W)over NB passive heatsink
80x25mm Sunon high speed exhaust fan (4.3W) on motherboard tray
120x25mm Thermaltake fan (0.4A) over memory modules
120x38mm Panaflo High Speed fan (0.6A) on Zalman fan bracket cooling BFG 7800GTX stock hsf video card


Wattage calculation:
3.46Ghz 955XE rated at 1.25-1.4v vcore with 130W at stock. AUTO Vcore in bios = 1.2875v bios /1.24v uGuru windows
256MB BFG 7800GTX ~125W
1x PATA hdd ~11W
Additional fans = 21.2W @ 12.00v

Using calculator at http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp system totals approximately:
955XE @stock with 1.3v vcore = 489W (100% utilisation) or 416W (85% utilisation)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.4v vcore = 629W (100%) or 535W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.45v vcore = 659W (100%) or 560W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.5v vcore = 689W (100%) or 586W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.55v vcore = 721W (100%) or 613W (85%)
955xe @4600Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 753W (100%) or 640W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.45v vcore = 669W (100%) or 569W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.5v vcore = 699W (100%) or 594W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.55v vcore = 731W (100%) or 621W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 763W (100%) or 649W (85%)
955XE @4800Mhz with 1.55 vcore = 741W (100%) or 630W (85%)
955XE @4800Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 775W (100%) or 659W (85%)

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System Test Results
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Note:

The Abit AWD8 bios and uGuru windows monitoring apps report both +12v (24pin) and +12v (4pin) voltages whereas for DMM readings i will only be able to obtain one value off a molex.
I'm running 17x204FSB due to an issue i have running >231FSB i suspect it might be 955XE cpu having issues as i tried both Abit provided AW8-Max 955x and AW8D 975x motherboards and same 231FSB limitation in that any >231FSB, quad prime after 15-20mins or quad superpi will error out on AW8-Max or reboot on AW8.


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@17x204FSB at 1.2875v bios = 1.24v windows

Readings according to Bios / uGuru Windows / DMM

Idle
+12v (24pin) = 12.31v / 12.30v / 12.24-12.25v
+12v (4pin) = 12.31-12.37v / 12.24-12.31v-12.36v / 12.24-12.25v
+5v = 5.11-5.14v / 5.10v / 5.06v
+3.3v = 3.31-3.33v / 3.30-3.32v / Not measured

Load with Quad Stressprime 2004
+12v (24pin) = 12.31v / 12.30v / 12.21-12.23v
+12v (4pin) = 12.31-12.37v / 12.24-12.31v-12.36v / 12.21-12.23v
+5v = 5.11-5.14v / 5.10v / 5.07v
+3.3v = 3.31-3.33v / 3.30-3.32v / Not measured

DMM Datalogging via RS-232
My new Digitech QM1538 Digital Multimetere (DMM) has windows datalogging function via RS-232 serial connection. I had to buy a RS-232 to USB adaptor since Abit AW8D doesn't have a serial port. Straight from QM1538 user manual:
With the high technology of the integrated Ó-Ä converter, QM1538 Data Logger provides the high accurate way on the data testing and data logging which can conveniently change the ACV, DCV, ACA, DCA, Resistant, Capacitance, Frequency, Temperature, etc. to the digital signals for computer. With the highly insulated optical RS-232 connector, you can transfer the records to the computer for further processions.

QM1538 Data Logger can automatically test and adjust the suitable values on each range accordingly. During the voltage, resistance and current testing, it can also be set to test a specified range by the push buttons.

The QM1538 Data Logger can easily test and log the data on the voltages from 0.1mV to 600V, resistance from 0.1 Ohm to 40M Ohm, currents from 10µA to 10A, capacitance from 10pF to 100µF, frequencies from 1Hz to 10MHz, temperatures from .50°C to 750°C.

Not all the data transferred to the computer can be viewed on the digital and analogue ways, but can also be recorded, saved, automatically graphed and then processed and printed.

Electric function specifications
* Accuracy is indicated with ±(% reading+ digits), environmental temperature 23± 5°C, Humility < 75%

DCV:
* 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V : ± (0.5% + 5)
* 600V : ± (0.8% + 5)
* Input Impedance : 10MÙ (about 10GÙ at 400mV range)

Still @17x204FSB at 1.2875v bios vcore, I logged both windows idle and quad stressprime load using datalogger to obtain +12v rail min/max/average values over a 3min interval for idle and 20min interval for load testing.

Idle vs Load
http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/log_idle_tn.png (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/log_idle.png) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/log_load_tnn.png (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/log_load.png)
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Now this is where there's problems with the DMM data logging it seems when i overclock the cpu the data logger abruptly disconnects from logging and crashes itself even while quad stressprime 2004 continues to run. The PWM1 to PWM4 temps are very high doing quad stressprime reaching 68-73+ C on the motherboard :eek:

@4711Mhz at 1.5875v bios / 1.53v windows idle / 1.45v under load vcore. Dam too much drooping of the vcore :(

Idle vs Load
http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/4711mhz_1.5875v/log_idle_tn.png (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/4711mhz_1.5875v/log_idle.png) http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/4711mhz_1.5875v/log_load_tn.png (http://i4memory.com/reviewimages/powersupply/OCZ/gamexstream/datalogging/3482mhz/4711mhz_1.5875v/log_load.png)

Unfortunately, had to stop quad stressprime as PWM temps were 68-73+ and datalogging disconnected abruptly. The load screenie was the last screenie i made before datalogging disconnected.

The system total wattage @4700Mhz at 1.45-1.55v vcore is very close or just a tad over the max combined load that this psu is rated for @680W combined. Wonder if this is what is causing the datalogging to crap out ? Or just plain old heat on the cpu and PWM causing instability ?

955xe @4700Mhz with 1.45v vcore = 669W (100%) or 569W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.5v vcore = 699W (100%) or 594W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.55v vcore = 731W (100%) or 621W (85%)
955xe @4700Mhz with 1.6v vcore = 763W (100%) or 649W (85%)

Rail fluctuations:
The 955XE is a beast of a cpu rated at 130W just at stock. Increasing vcore and overclocks really do draw quite an amount of juice off the psu! I will be retesting with a Pentium D 920D which is rated at 95W at stock so should be fun to see the differences and impact on the GameXStream power supply :D

Despite the huge power draw, the all important +12v rail has around 0.175 to 0.330% fluctuation and +5v rail seems to jump +0.01v under load or +0.197% from my DMM readings at each overclocked setting :)

Will know soon if the psu or cpu is maxed out as my Kayl custom phase change unit is complete and soon to be shipped to me http://i4memory.com/showthread.php?p=41359#post41359 :)




.

[phi|os]

I just got this PSU on monday, and it is helping out a lot. I'm getting more outta my system already. It's a very nice upgrade from the rosewill I had before it. Nice review eva.

[Cooper]

I have only one question: how much does it weight when fully packed ?

Oh eva - what`s the noise factor when fully loaded ?

[dogsx2]

I'm thinking of getting one but until I see 1900cf oc'ed and dc cpu oc'ed, I'll just wait.;)


Nice results so far eva.:toast:

[eBoy0]

Good review eva, though i see yours doesn't overvolt as much as mine.

[alexio]

Looks promising so far :)

Is there any way to combine molexes so you have a sort-of single rail psu? Any way you can find out which molex comes from which rail?

[Cooper]

alexio you can load this unit 100% from any single 12V connector. Rails divided virtualy - PSU itself has only one powerfull rail

[dietwaterrr]

thanks for the great review.

[Elisha]

doesn't have adjustable rails right?

[RyderOCZ]

doesn't have adjustable rails right?No it does not :)

[eva2000]

Yeah no adjustable rails but even a power hungry 955XE @4.7Ghz only pushes the +12v down to 12.14v under full load heh
I have only one question: how much does it weight when fully packed ?

Oh eva - what`s the noise factor when fully loaded ?
not sure of weight when it was fully packed and noise it's fairly quiet actually but with so many fans in the above test system if does cover up the psu noise heh.

[Elisha]

i guess since DDR1 is gonna be obsolete soon there is no need for a higher 3.3v rail to supply the mobo anymore since DDR2 uses less than the value of the 3.3v rail for max potential.

[mtzki]

Great review there. iirc there's a OCZ EvoStream psu coming out soon. Oriented towards OCers, e.g. has adjustable rails.

[jagt]

Hm.. This is technically the same PSU as the Forton/Source Epsilon 700w, yeah? In any case; the Epsilon is quite alot cheaper.

[Cooper]

Hm.. This is technically the same PSU as the Forton/Source Epsilon 700w, yeah? In any case; the Epsilon is quite alot cheaper.

You maybe refering to 600W model.
Actually OCZ and FSP Epsilon - both 700W - cost about the same.

[RyderOCZ]

Great review there. iirc there's a OCZ EvoStream psu coming out soon. Oriented towards OCers, e.g. has adjustable rails.
The EVOStream won't have adjustable rails, we are in the development stages of another PSU with adjustable rails.

[Hardware-Addict]

we are in the development stages of another PSU with adjustable rails.

I assume that you're talking about the "old news", right Eric ?
[ a "leet" power guy ] { Dr_H here Eric }

[uOpt]

The EVOStream won't have adjustable rails, we are in the development stages of another PSU with adjustable rails.

Will it be a singl-rail, or at most dual-rail design?

[RyderOCZ]

Will it be a singl-rail, or at most dual-rail design?I don't even have that info yet, this is very early stages....my info is just that we are working on a PSU with adjustable rails :)

[jagt]

You maybe refering to 600W model.
Actually OCZ and FSP Epsilon - both 700W - cost about the same.
Uhm, no, I meant the 700W model. But the Epsilon is a tad cheaper here atleast, but that might change. Still a few months before I'm in the marked for a new PSU :)

[LikwidKool]

I have only one question: how much does it weight when fully packed ?

Oh eva - what`s the noise factor when fully loaded ?

I put my GX on my wife's baking scale and it weighs 4.03lbs.

As for noise, load and idle are no different. It is SILENT!!!!

Here's my short little review (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16127988) It is nothing like George's but then again what is!?

[eva2000]

I put my GX on my wife's baking scale and it weighs 4.03lbs.

As for noise, load and idle are no different. It is SILENT!!!!

Here's my short little review (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16127988) It is nothing like George's but then again what is!?
Hehe.. 661Ws huh... love the pics :)

[LikwidKool]

Yeah I am packing a punch hugh! :)

[dogsx2]

4.03lbs to be exact vs 5.14lbs of the Power Stream

Has the rule of " the more a psu weights, the better it is"? 4lbs is a lightweight.

[gocchin]

Awesome writeup as always eva.

I received a GameXtream from OCZ Canada early last week. Out of the box using a DMM, I found my rails to be tuned a little on the low side. However they are solid rails. PSU has great molex connectors and is a little on the loud side under load. The 20+4 pin connector no longer connects together as it did on the powerstreams, they just kinda sit next to each other... I did also find it to be a bit lightweight but it is physically shorter than the powerstream and is still constructed quite well.

I feel the fan controller in the unit ramps up too quickly. While I was testing it under load, it was pretty loud even though the air coming out the back of it was still reasonably cool. I initially tried it in my P180 setup which is a silent watercooled project hoping that the 120mm fan would be a good replacement for the 2 x 80mm fans that were in my 600w Powerstream... let's just say that an S12 has gone in there now for silence purposes... ;)

I'll be using this unit to bench Yonah and Merom and I'm sure it will shine performance wise! :)

http://www.jpop.com/gocchin/gxs.jpg
http://www.jpop.com/gocchin/gxs2.jpg
http://www.jpop.com/gocchin/s12a.jpg
http://www.jpop.com/gocchin/s12b.jpg

[Cooper]

Has the rule of " the more a psu weights, the better it is"? 4lbs is a lightweight.

Powerstream also weights 6lbs.
BTW these new PSUs have very small radiators which also helps reduce total weight.

[kemist]

Yea these psus are very efficient and therefore dont need large heatsinks. Read x-bit labs review on it, it is in one of the power supply roundups. They go into the electronics in it a bit, and they said they were able to hit 700 watts no prob.

edit: the xbit review is of the FSP epsilon unit, but they are equivalent

[Budwise]

how do these compare in performance and overall quality comared to the Powerstreams? Im sure im pushing my 600W pretty hard.

[eva2000]

700W GameXStream would be better than 600W Powerstreams :)

[LikwidKool]

I was using a 600watt powerstream, and the rails stay much more stable on the GX.

Gochin your GX was loud? I even unplugged my rear exhaust fan, and I still can't hear it. I just don't want to give the wrong info saying it is really quiet, but for me it is.

[-aDaM^]

Nice review, bad psu :rolleyes:

[RyderOCZ]

Nice review, bad psu :rolleyes:May I ask what is wrong with it?

[-aDaM^]

May I ask what is wrong with it?

I love OCZ and OCZ's Powerstream 520w but.......

I had this PSU and under some hardcore conditions it crapped out :rolleyes: I prefer Single Rail PSU's.

I guess I shouldn't of said its a bad psu, but in my opinion its bad compared to my zippy 700w and pcp&c 510 asl.

[RyderOCZ]

I love OCZ and OCZ's Powerstream 520w but.......

I had this PSU and under some hardcore conditions it crapped out :rolleyes: I prefer Single Rail PSU's.

I guess I shouldn't of said its a bad psu, but in my opinion its bad compared to my zippy 700w and pcp&c 510 asl.You have already had a GameXtream 600 or 700W unit and replaced it? They have barely been out for 2 weeks.

What system were you running with it? I have guys on 5GHz intel systems with Dual 1900's with no issues: http://www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showpost.php?p=170365&postcount=14
He is pulling 770W under full load which is 70W over rated output. If you had a faulty unit, you should contact OCZ for a replacement.

[-aDaM^]

You have already had a GameXtream 600 or 700W unit and replaced it? They have barely been out for 2 weeks.

What system were you running with it? I have guys on 5GHz intel systems with Dual 1900's with no issues: http://www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showpost.php?p=170365&postcount=14
He is pulling 770W under full load which is 70W over rated output. If you had a faulty unit, you should contact OCZ for a replacement.

Will do, thx :)

[Fhqwhgads6680]

hey guys I just got one of these and will let you guys know what I think. OCZ has always been good to me, and for the price and the performance this looks to be a KILLER psu! So these would have no problems with a high;y oc'd AMD x2 and x1900 crossfire? I don't have much as far as HDD go, just a single raptor. Thanks for the review eva!

Brandon J

[eva2000]

You're welcome.. i'm waiting on Gecube to provide me 2x X1900XTX/XT CF cards so will be able to torture this psu on Intel 975x CF and DFI CFX3200-DR CF rigs :)

[Fhqwhgads6680]

You're welcome.. i'm waiting on Gecube to provide me 2x X1900XTX/XT CF cards so will be able to torture this psu on Intel 975x CF and DFI CFX3200-DR CF rigs :)

holy :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: that will be torture. I wish someone would send me 2 free x1900cf, I'd be glad to do some testing lol :) .... If you'd like just to suppliment, I can post a summary of my results as soon as it comes in from the egg. Looking forward to seeing your torture test results :)

Brandon J

[epion2985]

Is there any reason to get the OCZ 700w psu over the elite Emacs (zippy) 700W monster? I mean it has 45amps at 12v...

Dumo put up a nice write up:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=50045&highlight=Emacs+700W

I was going to get it but all this hype over the OCZ 700w caught my attention.

[eva2000]

i think both would be good but 700w zippy's fan is alot more noiser and 1yr warranty i think vs OCZ's 3yr warranty

[Fhqwhgads6680]

That, and price, isn' the zippy like 250+? I hear they are great psu's but I don't have tha kind of money for a psu, plus from what it looks like so far the OCZ will perform as well or maybe even better....for 160 bucks, can't beat that! mine comes itoday WOOT!!! If its ok with you eva, I will throw my own mi write-up of it in this thread. or I can start a new thread, which ever.

Brandon J

[eva2000]

up to you feel free to post in this thread or your own :D

[uOpt]

Is there any reason to get the OCZ 700w psu over the elite Emacs (zippy) 700W monster? I mean it has 45amps at 12v...


I have the Zippy 700W and I had to order the OCZ. The Zippy is so loud that I couldn't stand it although I have a separate machine room in my house.

Also, it is very long and doesn't fit many cases.

Zipzoomfly said they overnight my OCZ after they missed it in the first package.

[Mankz_91]

is it right that the 12cm fan is rated at 38dBa?

thats mid blowingly loud for a 12cm fan on a PSU isn't is?
MY Hiper Type-R 580W Modular is like 19 dba, and im still consious of it.
(thats only cos the rest of the rig is silent.


AJ>

[epion2985]

plus from what it looks like so far the OCZ will perform as well or maybe even better

what in the world do you base that on??? Lets see some numbers showing the OCZ unit outpreforming the zippy.

Cost? lol, this is xtremesystems.org not costeffectivesystems.org

Size? You arent even trying now.

Noise? The fan can be replaced and the casing can be modded.

I mean preformance wise is there any reason to get the OCZ unit over the zippy and you guys push out all this fluff. Dont tell me you dont like the zippy because its not pretty enough too, lol :rolleyes:

[uOpt]

Still didn't get mine. First zipzoomfly forgets to put it in the package, then I call them they promise to overnight one and nothing nada nil. Argh!

On the bright side, I received the molex tools and kits :D

Now how do I use those molex pliers...

[uOpt]

http://www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showpost.php?p=170365&postcount=14

Can you find an example of the Zippy putting out 70W over its designed output? The link above shows a 100% load draw of 770W.

I'm sorry, Ryder, but you shouldn't make that claim.

The person in that post did not measure his consumption with a powermeter.

He used that xtreme PSU calculator which is basically pure fantasy.

Sorry.

[uOpt]

Pure Fantasy? You really think that the numbers there aren't even close? Someone puts an awful lot of work into that site...I can't believe that he just makes things up.
I do know, that at least in the past, he didn't get any help from the manufacturers to find the actual power consumption.

Yes, I measure pretty much any rig I have with my powermeter, and the results never match the calculator, not even close.

They always take the maximum rating that a manufacturer gives for a given item and add them all together, but in practice it doesn't work that way.

I shouldn't say "pure fantasy", that's not correct. But they pile a lot of bad info on top of each other.

I can do a few sample calculations and compare with what I got out of the powermeter.

ETA: you see it just starts with them taking the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the AMD processors for the power consumption. That's just nonsense.

[epion2985]

uOpt is correct. I have also used that calculator then measured my rigs and it was not accurate at all, not even close.

RyderOCZ, even if that is true and the OCZ unit pulls 70w over the rating, can you make a claim that the zippy wont? Or even that it wont do more then 70w over the specs?

[Sentential]

http://www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showpost.php?p=170365&postcount=14

Can you find an example of the Zippy putting out 70W over its designed output? The link above shows a 100% load draw of 770W.
Not trying to bust your chops but yes there is an example of it. On OCforums Ross tested the 700W Zippy and he got it to I believe 850-950W before the unit finally produced instability

[RyderOCZ]

Ok....point taken....post removed...sorry guys.

EDIT: What I really want to know is, why as soon as OCZ releases a new product.....a thread starts up with "Does it beat this", "is it quiet", "What fan does it have", "Oh I hate that fan", "can it do back flips", "will it make my PC OC more", "does it make my coffee for me".

I don't see threads about what fan the Zippy uses or whether the PCP&C can make your coffee....why is that?

Do you all have that low an opinion of OCZ?

[uOpt]

I am actually willing to send my powermeter around to have people take real measurements. I should offer that to that guy on BE.

I want this PSU! Zipzoom, where's my stuff?!? And no 7900GTX either (different reseller). Did every hardware shop go mad lately?

[epion2985]

Ok....point taken....post removed...sorry guys.

EDIT: What I really want to know is, why as soon as OCZ releases a new product.....a thread starts up with "Does it beat this", "is it quiet", "What fan does it have", "Oh I hate that fan", "can it do back flips", "will it make my PC OC more", "does it make my coffee for me".

I don't see threads about what fan the Zippy uses or whether the PCP&C can make your coffee....why is that?

Do you all have that low an opinion of OCZ?

You interpreted it 100% backwards. Let me explain why.

This is a new product, and it apears to be competative with another product in the same class.

However it has some improvements over the product that is already out.

Now poeple like me for example are starting to think, hey this OCZ PSU looks incredibly awsome. I want to buy it. But wait I need to make sure even though it is better in some aspects that it is at least the same in other aspects important to me.

The reason for a very brutal beatdown comparison for the OCZ PSU is not because people think low of OCZ or that people dont like it, its the opposite. People love it, and they want to buy it.

If people thought low of OCZ and OCZ products they would never even bother bringing these questions up. For instance you dont see alot of these beatdowns on other PSU's, you know why? Because people dont think they are worth their time to disscuss as it would be a waste of space on the forum and a waste of their time. That shows that they dont think highly of that product.

When you see a very furious beatdown like this it is because people are trying really hard to find out what this product is capable of and how it compares, simply because they are interested in it, they do like it, and they think so highly of it as to compare it to the BEST out there.

You guys make great products, as so you have to expect to be compared to the best of the best, because you are in that class. Should be proud.

:toast:

[RyderOCZ]

Now that is some insight I did not see coming...Thanks for that :toast:

[uOpt]

Yeah, whatever that killer machine on bleedingedge pulls exactly, it will be about record power draw for single-CPU boxes.

That guy now powers the whole thing with a $160 PSU. That is an OCZ achievement in itself.

[Fhqwhgads6680]

what in the world do you base that on??? Lets see some numbers showing the OCZ unit outpreforming the zippy.

Cost? lol, this is xtremesystems.org not costeffectivesystems.org

Size? You arent even trying now.

Noise? The fan can be replaced and the casing can be modded.

I mean preformance wise is there any reason to get the OCZ unit over the zippy and you guys push out all this fluff. Dont tell me you dont like the zippy because its not pretty enough too, lol :rolleyes:


Wow....just wow....

Ok I'll just make a list:


1. I said it would do as well or better than its COMPETITION....I just did some searching for the zippy and it is a 285 dollar power supply.... This in my opinion is NOT competition for the OCZ, Neither is the PCP&C This is aimed at people that want a very good perform PSU and are willing to spend money for performance but are still bound by some type of budget. Competiton for this PSU are ones like the 620W liberty or other ones in the Price range!

2. COST??!! WOW I get SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired of hearing this crap.... Ok so because I am 19 years old and do not have the finacial ability to buy a $500 PCP&C I am less XTREME??!! I have heard peopl say things like this and it REALLY drives me up a wall....Not everyone is in the same financial situation... I cannot go out and buy $1000 FX-60 or $500 PSUs... I'm glad to hear that you can afford these things but I cannot...I am AMAZED at the fact that you are saying Costs don't matter!!! if they don't then why don't you go spend $500 dollars on the 1kw PCP&C and get it over with?? why would you even be looking at a PSU that is $160?? I could continue but I think you get the point..

3. Size? Again for YOUR circumstance this might not be a factor, but DOES NOT mean it isn't for other people!!! What if someone wants a PSU that fits in a SFF case?? I guess that is totally irrelevant right :rolleyes:

4. Noise. Ok a somewhat decent point the fan CAN be changed and casing CAN be modded. But thats ALSO if you are wiling to void the Warranty on the PSU... Again I know what you are thinking this is XTREMESYSTEMS not blahblah we've all haerd it... but again I take calculated risks....I have to...I am not yet finacially well of enough to have NO reguard what-so-ever for hardware.... I DO volt mod my vid card and highly oc my Proc, but I am WILLING to pay the price if something happens....However I NEED the warranties on the other parts because I could NOT aford to pay for everything, again my risk taking must be calculated, I wish I could do what I wanted and buy what I wanted...but fact is...I cannot...

Ok, so we've figured out one thing..... You want PERFORMANCE!!! right... thats it end of story...But think about other people's situations before you go and post stuff like this...sorry for the rant but I couldn't let this go...

BTW I got mine yesterday and its running like a champ so far. I am working on a write up for it with my system just to show what it will do on midrange system...It looks great so far!

[epion2985]

Wow....just wow....

Ok I'll just make a list:


1. I said it would do as well or better than its COMPETITION....I just did some searching for the zippy and it is a 285 dollar power supply.... This in my opinion is NOT competition for the OCZ, Neither is the PCP&C This is aimed at people that want a very good perform PSU and are willing to spend money for performance but are still bound by some type of budget. Competiton for this PSU are ones like the 620W liberty or other ones in the Price range!

2. COST??!! WOW I get SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired of hearing this crap.... Ok so because I am 19 years old and do not have the finacial ability to buy a $500 PCP&C I am less XTREME??!! I have heard peopl say things like this and it REALLY drives me up a wall....Not everyone is in the same financial situation... I cannot go out and buy $1000 FX-60 or $500 PSUs... I'm glad to hear that you can afford these things but I cannot...I am AMAZED at the fact that you are saying Costs don't matter!!! if they don't then why don't you go spend $500 dollars on the 1kw PCP&C and get it over with?? why would you even be looking at a PSU that is $160?? I could continue but I think you get the point..

3. Size? Again for YOUR circumstance this might not be a factor, but DOES NOT mean it isn't for other people!!! What if someone wants a PSU that fits in a SFF case?? I guess that is totally irrelevant right :rolleyes:

4. Noise. Ok a somewhat decent point the fan CAN be changed and casing CAN be modded. But thats ALSO if you are wiling to void the Warranty on the PSU... Again I know what you are thinking this is XTREMESYSTEMS not blahblah we've all haerd it... but again I take calculated risks....I have to...I am not yet finacially well of enough to have NO reguard what-so-ever for hardware.... I DO volt mod my vid card and highly oc my Proc, but I am WILLING to pay the price if something happens....However I NEED the warranties on the other parts because I could NOT aford to pay for everything, again my risk taking must be calculated, I wish I could do what I wanted and buy what I wanted...but fact is...I cannot...

Ok, so we've figured out one thing..... You want PERFORMANCE!!! right... thats it end of story...But think about other people's situations before you go and post stuff like this...sorry for the rant but I couldn't let this go...

BTW I got mine yesterday and its running like a champ so far. I am working on a write up for it with my system just to show what it will do on midrange system...It looks great so far!


Please dont start drama.

I asked because I need to buy one soon and I am tossing a few options around.

I did not ask which is a better psu for you. I asked because I need one, and I need to see how it stacks up against other choises, with my goals, my dudget and my plans.

I dont see where I have said you should spend $285 or that the zippy is a better choise for you.

[Fhqwhgads6680]

ok thats fine im not trying to start drama, You want the best performance and thats your number one criteria. But when you go and say things like "this isn't costeffectivesystems.com"... I guess stuff like that guets under my skin a little... sorry if it came off bad, I just get tired of statments like that... Anyway, I hope you find good PSU, and as an owner I can say its vey good, but I'm not really stressing it yet, I got this so that I can go to crossfire smoothly, but currently am only running 1 X1900.

Best of luck,
Brandon J

[IvanAndreevich]

Lowest price I found on this is 140 USD. The FSP version of this PSU is 120 USD. So the OCZ doesn't look too bad - they got the best tech support and warranty :) Nice PSU, but my Seasonic S12 rocks

[kimandsally]

To be honest there's far too much if and what and why, simply put this PSU will operate 99.99% of PC's and with a very comfortable margin, sometimes you cannot have evrything it's just not possible, the only possible downside I can see is maybe it might not be as quiet as some power supplies but by the looks of what it's being compared against ie PC P&C and Zippy it blows them away on that front whilst being very close with the other specs.
As an all rounder it in my opinion it's simply unbeatable and that coupled with the legendry OCZ support and warranty makes a simple choice for me every high endPC I build for customers from now will be fitted with one of these I simply cannot afford to have problems with customers machines because it wipes all my profit margins away.

All the above is my opinion which might not be the same for everyone but I would hope that the majority would think on the same lines.

If you need a superb PSU for a high end system what are you waiting for go buy one today.

[LikwidKool]

I am really suprised people think this psu is loud. maybe mine is th eodd man out, but I can barely hear the fan. I only have two 120mm fans running in my case other than a small fan on my northbridge and naother small one on the pwm. Even under loud I can't notice it. I know when I had it out on the bench I only hooked 3 fans to it, and that is not a load , but it again was silent with my ear right against it.

BTW OCZ's 3 year Powerswap warranty is aces!;)

[uOpt]

Lowest price I found on this is 140 USD. The FSP version of this PSU is 120 USD. So the OCZ doesn't look too bad - they got the best tech support and warranty :) Nice PSU, but my Seasonic S12 rocks

Uh, what. Last time I looked the 700W Epsilon was $170 cheapest.

Link?

[Haltech]

I think the days of these monster size psu's are coming to an end. conroe requires a hell of a lot less power than presler did.. Amd will begin their low wattage cpu's early next year.

[NightCrawler™]

Maybe a retarde question but can someone tell me the length of the cables in cm on that PSU....
I have a Modstream and those cables are too short in my v2000.... I had to mod the v2000 mounting backplate to get the PSU installed correctly and use the cables :slapass:

OT Does anyone know an eta on of the modular version of it....?

[uOpt]

I think the days of these monster size psu's are coming to an end. conroe requires a hell of a lot less power than presler did.. Amd will begin their low wattage cpu's early next year.

Multi-CPU and multi-GPU will take care of that :D

[Vric]

Maybe a retarde question but can someone tell me the length of the cables in cm on that PSU....
I have a Modstream and those cables are too short in my v2000.... I had to mod the v2000 mounting backplate to get the PSU installed correctly and use the cables :slapass:

I would like to know also. I have a Silverstone TJ06 and need quite long ATX and AUX12V cable (still I have extension, but...)

[LikwidKool]

I'll try and get an answer for you by the end of the weekend.

[RyderOCZ]

Maybe a retarde question but can someone tell me the length of the cables in cm on that PSU....
I have a Modstream and those cables are too short in my v2000.... I had to mod the v2000 mounting backplate to get the PSU installed correctly and use the cables :slapass:

OT Does anyone know an eta on of the modular version of it....?The Main ATX cable, the AUX 12V and the 2 PCI-e connectors are all approx 53.3 cm long (21 inches +/-)
All the Molex, SATA, etc have the first connector at 50.8cm (20 inches) and go on from there for a total length of 109.22cm (43 inches +/-)

Hope that helps.

[LikwidKool]

well there you go! no need for me!

[Sentential]

I think the days of these monster size psu's are coming to an end. conroe requires a hell of a lot less power than presler did.. Amd will begin their low wattage cpu's early next year.
Dont be so sure while CPUs might be backing off GPUs sure as hell wont.

_____

Overall this PSU looks really nice. I do like the fact that its fortron built since they tend to use better parts than a number of manufacturers (like my squeaky Antec lol)

Price looks pretty good as well since its only slighly more than the epsilon FSP units and for the additional cost the warrenty would certinaly justify the OCZ unit.

I really wasnt trying to bust you chops on the whole Zippy issue Ryder. They really are *that* good, its a shame no 3rd party mfgr wants to use their units (such as yourself or mushkin). I hear that their (zippy) baseline pricing is really steep and it tends to drive away possible supporters

[NightCrawler™]

The Main ATX cable, the AUX 12V and the 2 PCI-e connectors are all approx 53.3 cm long (21 inches +/-)
All the Molex, SATA, etc have the first connector at 50.8cm (20 inches) and go on from there for a total length of 109.22cm (43 inches +/-)

Hope that helps.
Those 2 PCI-e connectors are a bit on the short side... One I probably could connect, two won't go as the cable simply isn't long enough... :(

[RyderOCZ]

Those 2 PCI-e connectors are a bit on the short side... One I probably could connect, two won't go as the cable simply isn't long enough... :(Short? These have the longest cables of any PSU I have seen yet.....I would appreciate any info you have on what you find that is longer.

Thanks :)

[Eldonko]

Great job on this review eva2000. You have oscilloscope by any chance?

[Steensen]

Short? These have the longest cables of any PSU I have seen yet.....I would appreciate any info you have on what you find that is longer.

Thanks :)

The FSP Epsilon 700W's PCI-E2 cable is 55.5 cm long, from edge of PSU-cabi til the edge/neck of the PCI-E2 power plug (±5mm depending on witch way the cable is stretched when messuring).

[eva2000]

Great job on this review eva2000. You have oscilloscope by any chance?
unfortunately nope heh

[NightCrawler™]

Short? These have the longest cables of any PSU I have seen yet.....I would appreciate any info you have on what you find that is longer.

Thanks :)
The Enermax Liberty has longer cables, I had that one for 1 hour :rolleyes: , and it let me place the PSU in it's regular mounting position compared to the Modstream I currently still own... however getting to a possible future second card made the cable just a bit too short.
If it was actually mounted it would probably bend it a little..

[Vric]

The Enermax Liberty has longer cables, I had that one for 1 hour :rolleyes: , and it let me place the PSU in it's regular mounting position compared to the Modstream I currently still own...

The Modstream have probably the shortest cable I have seen. the GameXStream look to be much longer.. This is what ruled out the Modstream for me..

[uOpt]

Short? These have the longest cables of any PSU I have seen yet.....I would appreciate any info you have on what you find that is longer.

Thanks :)

Well the Zippy PSUs have extremely long cables. I'm gonna post a photo.

Of course they don't have PCIe to boot :)

[LikwidKool]

i understand my Antec P160 isn't huge, but the GX's pci-e reach my 7800gt's with room to spare.

[niexa77]

is it right that the 12cm fan is rated at 38dBa?

thats mid blowingly loud for a 12cm fan on a PSU isn't is?
MY Hiper Type-R 580W Modular is like 19 dba, and im still consious of it.
(thats only cos the rest of the rig is silent.


AJ>
assuming this 12cmfan is temp controlled? would there be anything (apart from clearance of the top of the m/b... oh, and :lol: issues mounting it) stopping someone mounting there own silent 12cmfan on the psu once its installed... ac12 or something... keep the psu cool enough with a silent fan that the loud one never spins up?

also, how would this go with o/c opty,o/c x850xt 4xraptors, and a ide data drive, and a handfull of fans? do drives draw much juice?

EDIT: cherry post! :P

[RyderOCZ]

assuming this 12cmfan is temp controlled? would there be anything (apart from clearance of the top of the m/b... oh, and :lol: issues mounting it) stopping someone mounting there own silent 12cmfan on the psu once its installed... ac12 or something... keep the psu cool enough with a silent fan that the loud one never spins up?

also, how would this go with o/c opty,o/c x850xt 4xraptors, and a ide data drive, and a handfull of fans? do drives draw much juice?

EDIT: cherry post! :PThe 120mm fan is inside the PSU, if you open thePSU to replace it, your warranty would be voided.

The 600 or 700W would power that rig plus more if you added it later.

[=Pseudo=]

What are the differences between 600W and 700W gameXstreams?

I mean, most talk about the 700w but I really would like to know about the differences between both...is "just" the combined power output?

What makes someone buy 700W rather than the 600W one?

Thanx

[sdkevin]

700W: 18A each rail
600W: 15A each rail

[=Pseudo=]

700W: 18A each rail
600W: 15A each rail

I dont think so:

http://www.nokytech.net/images/dossiers/OCZ_GameXstream/05.jpg

"At least" :
-combined 600W- 580W
-combined 700W -680W

anything more?

[Vric]

18A rails on the 600W version ?

Wow, I will order it.

[Vric]

Just got my 600W.

Here is some reading:

Load: (prime)
3.3V: 3.26 - 3.33
5V: 4.95 - 5.05
12V: 12.34 - 12.59


Idle:
3.3V: 3.26 - 3.31 (seam to be 3.28-3.30 most of the time)
5V: 4.95 - 5.05 (seem to be 5.03 most of the time)
12V: 12.42 - 12.59 (always move)

Is that "good" ? (3.3 seem a bit low, but still only about 1% :p: )

Edit: And the 600W does have 18A on each 12V rail

[AzraelDarkangel]

Hmmm...that's the second time I've seen higher than spec voltage on the 12v line of the OCZ. How loud or quiet is it for you?

[RyderOCZ]

You cannot be sure that software readings are accurate, you must measure with a Multimeter to determine the actual voltages.

[Vric]

I did a Multimeter reading:
The 12V idle and under load stay at 12.25-12.28.
The 5V idle and under load stay at 4.96-4.99

so yea, it's an error reading, even if it's still "a bit" high.
Couldn't test the 3.3V.

As for noise, I find it quite silent. I love it.

[Anemone]

Good enough for me, I'm moving on the 700w

[Gak]

At first i thought that my GXS had an acceptable noise.

Now i see that it is too damn loud.

I was used to Be-Quiets. Those things ARE silent.

Im considering to ditch the warranty and installing a silent fan. Or at least removing the internals of that one for the ones of an NB SX1.

:stick:

If i had the computer on the bedroom i wouldnt be capable of spleeping.

Too damn loud.

The fan seems to have no temp control. Always at full speed.

[eva2000]

heh each person perceives too loud differently i guess.. for me gamexstream is quietest psu fan i have used to date

[Anemone]

Well just be glad you don't have the pcp&c. Compared to that the GXS is silent. /sigh

[RyderOCZ]

The fan seems to have no temp control. Always at full speed.Can you get me an estimate of how fast the fan is spinning?
They are quiet 120mm fans guys......if they sound like they are running 3000+ RPM's then something is wrong.

Simple to make a post over at the support forums or PM me here and ask. :)

GAK, email me so we can get it fixed.

Thanks

[uOpt]

Noise is very perspective-dependent, but really, if this thing turned out annoying you have a defect, such as a fan blade not as smooth as it should.

As reported elsewhere, my 12V rails are around 12.20 V, DMMed, while on load with a 8-CPU box.

[Gak]

The PSU, as i said, is working just fine...

Simply i was used to even more silent PSU's.

The last Be-Quiet wich i had with 2x80mm was more silent that this one. Wich i blame not having a thermo-controlled fan. That would help to reduce it's noise a lot.

I'm not complaining about the PSU. I still like. But imho it could have been better with this issue.

Nothing however i can't fix!

:D

For instance when i had my last PSU i sometimes had to check by it's light to see if the PC was turned on. Now i can listen him at a good 6 meters across two rooms...

I'm picky about noise....

:stick:

[GloryField]

can't u replace the fan or would that void your warranty?

[Vric]

can't u replace the fan or would that void your warranty?
Few post higher:

The 120mm fan is inside the PSU, if you open thePSU to replace it, your warranty would be voided.

[dum]

well I bought one you guys scared the heck outta me about my ultra x-2 connect 550, decided to get this for more stable power, and should have enough for the new D10 video cards should be here wenesday,was a little hesitant because my ocz ram I just bought is not working :( , the mushkin my friend loaned me is running fine:confused: , and I am not extreme so I overclock nothing, may try in future just come here to get good advice:D

[jonnyGURU]

well I bought one you guys scared the heck outta me about my ultra x-2 connect 550...

LOL! Scared by a bunch of guys that have probably never even used one.

Good ol' Intarweb. ;)

The X2 does fine by me with a pair of eVGA 7800GTX's, but no doubt the GameXstream is a better product. Not modular, no FlexForce cables, more expensive.. but more power, quad 12V rails, quiet fan and doesn't crossload.

[dum]

LOL! Scared by a bunch of guys that have probably never even used one.

Good ol' Intarweb. ;)

The X2 does fine by me with a pair of eVGA 7800GTX's, but no doubt the GameXstream is a better product. Not modular, no FlexForce cables, more expensive.. but more power, quad 12V rails, quiet fan and doesn't crossload.

I agree it has not let me down yet but with some much more invested in everything else:confused: , but I do wish the 700 ocz was modular to, plus I read a couple of good reviews on it who is to believe what, one says this one says that I am now the proud owner of 3 power supplies, 4 gigs of ram, 2 mobo's, 2 cases, 9500zalman on the way, that from what I read here does not seem like its going to cool much better than stock, sale at zipzoomdum:D

[jonnyGURU]

It's hard to know who to believe. That's why it's probably best to just trust personal experience and reviews than third hand information found on a forum.

A lot of the bad rap Ultra gets is from the original X-Connect. I'm not going to even try to defend that thing. The ones sold in the U.S. were made by Youngyear (need I say more? Same OEM as Aspire) but the X2 is made by Wintech (been around longer and same OEM as Sintek.) Totally different construction, QC, etc.

If you really want a modular version of the OCZ, Ryder said there's a modular one coming a few months down the road. If it's anything like the current GameXstream but with modular connectors for only about $20 more, I'd say that is worth waiting for.

[Gak]

Why do people insist in manufacturing and "consuming" modular PSU's. It is proven that they bring a bunch of problems whereas a non-modular PSU is free of them...

:stick:

[dum]

Why do people insist in manufacturing and "consuming" modular PSU's. It is proven that they bring a bunch of problems whereas a non-modular PSU is free of them...

:stick:

your basically using the same type connection just on both ends, should be able to be done? with some sort of quality, and the why is to get rid of excess wire that was my reason

[Gak]

your basically using the same type connection just on both ends, should be able to be done? with some sort of quality, and the why is to get rid of excess wire that was my reason


Taken from an interview to R. Dodson. President & founder of PCP&C.


(...)The pins that are used in the modular plugs have a very low capacity to pass current. You’re losing power through those pins. It’s electrical resistance between the male and the female part of the pin, to the extent that the voltage drop in just the pins is equivalent to about two feet of wire. The effect is that modular power supplies, everything else being equal, are capable of about 10% less power than power supplies without modular plugs. And that’s under ideal conditions. In real life it gets worse because the pins loosen, corrode, and burn. Over time the resistance builds up. A year down the road, a guy could be running his system and all of a sudden it stops working reliably, and he has no way of knowing that the reason is because the pin inside that modular plug has become corroded or burned. This technique has been out for about six months, but people are going to find that the reliability is a massive failure point. Also, especially given the way people pull their harnesses around and tie them down, it creates a lot of stress on those pins. So instead of the pins having full 100% contact surface to surface, in most cases those pins are only touching maybe 10% or 30% of their surface area. What’s rated for 5A going through those pins, in reality if the pins aren’t making good contact, your rating’s down to maybe 3A, and with that much constriction, those pins just heat up, and it gets worse. For real pros in the industry, no way would they specify that kind of arrangement. This is a consumer-oriented gimmick.(...)

[Anemone]

I believe Jonny will speak to this point better, but essentially the pcp&c position is true, but slightly on the dramatic side. Most users don't disconnect and reconnect lots, they just want to set up a ps with as few cables as possible, and then they are done, short of say adding SLI or a new drive to the mix. So if the connections aren't undone and redone many times, the connections generally remain strong (from a quality ps maker) and the loss in current isn't all that large. You can see any number of Liberty reviews to have further confidence in this. Liberty's failures I think are QC related not cable related - of the one's I've read about.

However, the real question becomes what sorts of things are you willing to sacrifice for less cables and in some cases bling? Do you lower the quality of your PS any, and if so, for what features? I like to err on the entirely safe because, having had a modular PS, I found that with enough things in the system I used 90% of the cables anyway. My case now has a perfectly convenient out of the way place to stow them and I bought it with this in mind. (TJ07)

So modular isn't the end of the world. I don't prefer to take any chances with it, but I just wanted to be sure folks knew that the dramatic statements made by pcp&c make it sound like the devil and it's not quite that.

[dum]

well all good points but sounds like bad engineering, the plugs can be made better just who is going to step up to the plate, I mean 30% contact is definitley not good, but hey I am with you guys bought the Ocz 700 watt extreme just to be safe

[Gak]

I believe Jonny will speak to this point better, but essentially the pcp&c position is true, but slightly on the dramatic side. Most users don't disconnect and reconnect lots, they just want to set up a ps with as few cables as possible, and then they are done, short of say adding SLI or a new drive to the mix. So if the connections aren't undone and redone many times, the connections generally remain strong (from a quality ps maker) and the loss in current isn't all that large. You can see any number of Liberty reviews to have further confidence in this. Liberty's failures I think are QC related not cable related - of the one's I've read about.

However, the real question becomes what sorts of things are you willing to sacrifice for less cables and in some cases bling? Do you lower the quality of your PS any, and if so, for what features? I like to err on the entirely safe because, having had a modular PS, I found that with enough things in the system I used 90% of the cables anyway. My case now has a perfectly convenient out of the way place to stow them and I bought it with this in mind. (TJ07)

So modular isn't the end of the world. I don't prefer to take any chances with it, but I just wanted to be sure folks knew that the dramatic statements made by pcp&c make it sound like the devil and it's not quite that.

I almost bought a modular PSU... Till i read this and till i saw some pictures with awesome cable managements...

The cables not used, with a bit of work can be perfectly conceived. So for me modular PSU's are still in disadvantage.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

I believe Jonny will speak to this point better, but essentially the pcp&c position is true, but slightly on the dramatic side.

Indeed this position is overly dramatic - while there is some voltage drop, I don't believe it's a problem with most connectors. 5A capacity per pin is also a lowball figure already... Molex Mini-Fit Juniors for example (the ATX connector, PCI-E connectors) can take 9A per pin IIRC.

That said, I don't care for modular units. For me it's more of a "I'd rather not pay for that particular feature" situation than anything else though. And some of them were/are too expensive for the build quality (I'm looking in your direction, first gen X-Connect).

[Anemone]

Jonny

Any luck getting a replacement OCZ GX psu? Your first round testing seemed to be kind of "not so good". Was curious what the news was.

:)

[jonnyGURU]

RyderOCZ wants me to send it back for replacement. So I've got it sitting here next to me in the box and will probably ship it back to them this weekend.

[ViRuS2k]

What a pile of :banana::banana::banana::banana: this psu is.

Just recived my 700w gameXtreme PSU and its more craper than my 580w modular Tagan lol

rails are pure :banana::banana::banana::banana:, even though i havent had a crash the rails are utterly :banana::banana::banana::banana:.
and im not even pushing the psu anywhere near its max either lol

X2 4400+ @2.7
DFI Lp Nf4
2x1gig G.Skill
2 optical drives
2 sata hdd`s + 1 pata
xfi Sound card
3 120mm fans + 2 80mm
1x X1900XTX

System Info:

Temperatures
Motherboard 44 °C
CPU 32 °C
North Bridge 41 °C
GPU 43 °C

Cooling Fans
CPU 1318 RPM
System 1430 RPM
Chipset 5273 RPM

Voltage Values
CPU Core 1.52 V
+3.3 V 3.22 V
+5 V 4.81 V
+12 V 12.10 V
+5 V Standby 4.89 V
VBAT Battery 3.07 V


Even my Tagan had steller 3.3 and 5v lines never dipping under spec
the only line that dipped on my tagan was the 12v line and it dipped to 11.97v

and those mesurements above are idle for the ocz 700w psu, i can just imagine what there like under stress...
and dont tell me i need to mesure the volts with a multimeter or some sort becuse even useing the mobo to detect the info the tagans readings where the same

even in the bios it reports what everest is reporting to me in windows.

i have will say one thing im not useing OCZ PSU`s anymore there crap.
i new i shouldnt have went with a company that i knew nothing about when it comes to psu`s that is.

[eva2000]

Yes but still did you measure via multimeter... don't trust software for reporting rails and anyone who knows about psus won't even put any weight to your claims until you do measure via a multimeter :)

[ViRuS2k]

Yes but still did you measure via multimeter... don't trust software for reporting rails and anyone who knows about psus won't even put any weight to your claims until you do measure via a multimeter :)

What im trying to get at though is i read the same information on the tagan as i did the OCZ

i just read what was reported in the bios on both PSU`s

now why would the OCZ thats more powerfull than the tagan show lower information than the Tagan ehhh ?? explain that one to me ehhh..

[Counter CS]

What im trying to get at though is i read the same information on the tagan as i did the OCZ

i just read what was reported in the bios on both PSU`s

now why would the OCZ thats more powerfull than the tagan show lower information than the Tagan ehhh ?? explain that one to me ehhh..
:wierd: Just read the fckng thread :slap:

[jonnyGURU]

Dude.. please.... I'm doing you a favor when I tell you to cut and run now... you don't know what you're talking about. ;)

I might have my issues with the GameXstream's ripple, but voltage regulation is not a fault of the GameXstream.

You CAN NOT gage the quality of a power supply by "how high" it is over 3.3V, 5V and 12V. That simply makes no difference at all, as long as voltages are within 5%.

If you presented me with a PSU that was 11.9V idle and 11.87V under a big load, and then presented me with a PSU that was 12.15 idle and 12.03 under load, I would take the one that was 11.87V under load!!!!!

Why!?!?!

Because it only showd a .03V drop in voltage. It has tighter load regulation than the other PSU that dropped .12V.

Measuring voltages on a PSU, whether you use software or a DMM, is not an exact science. You can measure at the PCB of the PSU, but you're not compensating for resistance on the wire or connector. You can measure at an available Molex, but that voltage is going to be different from the voltage you get at another connector depending on the length of that wire and how many devices and how much juice each of those devices draws between your DMM and the PSU.

The only thing you can gage accurately is load regulation, and you haven't done that so you can't make a judgement call. Find one point on your computer where you can measure voltages with a DMM and always use that same point. I try to probe the back end of a connector that's in use. That way you know you're taking a voltage from a lead that's under load. Take a voltage reading idle and at full load and subtract one from another.

If you're able to reproduce a "full load" then 1% (.12V drop from idle to load on the 12V rail, for example) is excellent. 2% is good. 3% is acceptable. 4% or more is garbage.

Since it's not likely you're going to put the PSU under "full load" you want to figure out how much percentage of the PSU's capability you're using and then calculate accordingly. Everyone should spend $30 and get a Kill-A-Watt. Seriously. ;)

For example, if you have an OCZ 700W and you're pulling 234W AC from the wall, multiply that by 75% (I always use 75% despite what the PSU company "claims" efficiency to be) and you come up with 175.5W DC. That's about 25% of the PSU's peak power capability. So I would then expect .25% for excellent load regulation, .50% for good, etc.

Of course, this isn't an exact science since many power supplies voltage doesn't drop on a steady downward slope.

Take the SinTek 500SLI I reviewed here: http://www.jonnyguru.com/PSU/Sintek500W/

The 12V voltage only dropped .1V going from 145.8W to 460.1W (8A to 26A load.) That's FANTASTIC!!!

But test five showed a drop of another .3V. What's that about? Is it the resistance of the modular connector? Was SinTek a bit optomistic about the capabilities of this PSU? Or is it because of the mild crossload created by dropping the 3.3V and 5V rails in order not to go over 500W? Could be any one of these reasons, but it shows that there's no one good formula for figuring out load regulation while instlalled on a PC. But you can figure out that if you go from 12.1V to 11.8V going from idle to a run of 3DMark, your PSU is hurting!

[[XC] Lead Head]

What im trying to get at though is i read the same information on the tagan as i did the OCZ

i just read what was reported in the bios on both PSU`s

now why would the OCZ thats more powerfull than the tagan show lower information than the Tagan ehhh ?? explain that one to me ehhh..

IF you can trust onboard sensors,

Then I suppose my 3.3v is at 2.51, and the -12v rail is at -1.58

And when i put my PC under load, the rails dont budge, its only junky generic PSUs where the rails go down enough to be noticed underload

[ViRuS2k]

Ok fair points guys.

i take back what i said about OCZ then im just worryed this PSU is underperforming compared to the 580w tagan i had lol

but seriously i havent had any power outages or reboots yet so i guess everything is within its optimum draw. i hope lol

hehe when idleing the 12v is at 12.10v and under GPU load it drops to 11.97v hehe

[jonnyGURU]

hehe when idleing the 12v is at 12.10v and under GPU load it drops to 11.97v hehe

That's cool. I mean.. depending on the actual load, but that's only .13V drop.

Like I said; I'd rather have that than a .2V drop from 12.3V. ;)

[kiwi]

Don't trust onboard sensors, period! Even cheap Chinese multimeter will measure rails :)
I've compared a few cheam DMMs and only 0.01-0.02V difference from Fluke :toast:

As for PSU, it is very good. I have FSP Epsilon 700 which is the same as OCZ 700 and I had 0 issues so far. Rails are stable, powering oc conroe rig, 5 hdds, x1900

[uOpt]

Just FYI, I just got a second one of these, and I think I'm known to be Mr Picky.

As opposed to some previous poster I used a DMM to check voltages on my first one and found them to be much more accurate than even the OCZ spec says.